I see people struggle with this question all time. I have been walking with the Lord for 35 years. When I began I was just glad to have my sins forgiven. I didn’t care about the rest. God began to systematically teach me about the kingdom. It wasn’t all fun and games. There were hard truths that I had to learn. I had to keep my heart open to be able to receive from God. I had to keep it open to the world to be able to let God flow through me. I tell you I got beat up many times. But the end results, which is still going on, is a blessing that I wouldn’t miss for the world. Some people look at God as big man with a big stick. If you do something wrong, you get hit with the stick. Some people think He is Santa Clause. He is there to give them what they want. I have never seen God strike in angry. I have seen Him destroy an entire coast line. Who do you think is directing the weather in this country? He has always accomplished His goals in love. He wants the best for you and me. God will do what it takes to help us achieve to right goal. By the way which is sharing heaven with Him. As the bible says, we are bought with a price, our lives are not our own. That price was the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus the Christ.